Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for reconstructing and simulating neocortical microcircuitry. In one aspect, a method includes providing a model of neural tissue, the model including different types of neural cells and dynamic synaptic interconnections between the neural cells, changing a parameter in the model; and identifying a change in a computational state of the model of the neural tissue responsive to the change in the parameter. The change in the parameter can, e.g., change behavior of neural cells of at least one type, change interconnectivity between neural cells, or target a location within a volume in the model that interacts with multiple types of neural cells.

Abstract: A control interface includes a sensor having a sensing field projecting adjacent to one or more input devices such as switches actuated by an operator. The control interface detects the profile, position, and/or motion of objects in the sensing field and compares these to stored values of profile, position, and/or motion representing a valid operator attempt to actuate the input device. Upon detection of a valid attempt to actuate the input device, the control interface generates a control signal that may be communicated to an operator or to connected equipment. The control signal is generated before operator makes contact with the input device. The control signal may be used to provide a pre-activation alert to the operator with identifying the input device about to be actuated. Alternatively, the control interface may disable input devices until a valid attempt to actuate the input device is detected, and the control signal is used to enable the input device.

Abstract: An electric truck ladder system comprises a support frame mounted beneath a vehicle in turn supporting a retractable ladder in hydraulic communication with a switch. The switch permits a user to deploy and/or retract the ladder. The system provides for an adjustable height, adjustable actuator stroke, a switch with wireless remote actuation and/or a door switch which actuates the ladder upon the opening or closing of a vehicle door.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivoting body attached to a base with a front surface. The pivoting body has a front end and rear end and at least one friction reducing member biased rearwardly against the front surface of the body. The friction reducing member is retractable relative to the pivoting body substantially parallel to the direction of the bias. The front surface has an inclined portion and an apex. When the pivoting body is in a rest position the at least one friction reducing member is maintained at the apex. The pivoting body is pivotable in a first direction to an activation that causes the friction reducing member to roll along the inclined portion with the friction reducing member retracting in the forward direction against the bias. When force is removed from the pivoting body in the activation position, the bias against the contoured front surface returns the pivoting body to the rest position via indirect forces.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivoting body attached to a base with a front surface. The pivoting body has a front end and rear end and at least one friction reducing member biased rearwardly against the front surface of the body. The friction reducing member is retractable relative to the pivoting body substantially parallel to the direction of the bias. The front surface has an inclined portion and an apex. When the pivoting body is in a rest position the at least one friction reducing member is maintained at the apex. The pivoting body is pivotable in a first direction to an activation that causes the friction reducing member to roll along the inclined portion with the friction reducing member retracting in the forward direction against the bias. When force is removed from the pivoting body in the activation position, the bias against the contoured front surface returns the pivoting body to the rest position via indirect forces.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for reconstructing and simulating neocortical microcircuitry. In one aspect, a method includes providing a model of neural tissue, the model including different types of neural cells and dynamic synaptic interconnections between the neural cells, changing a parameter in the model; and identifying a change in a computational state of the model of the neural tissue responsive to the change in the parameter. The change in the parameter can, e.g., change behavior of neural cells of at least one type, change interconnectivity between neural cells, or target a location within a volume in the model that interacts with multiple types of neural cells.

Abstract: A seeder includes a frame on ground wheels defining tool bars for seeding elements spaced across the frame. Each element includes a pair of parallel arms connected to the tool bar bracket forming a parallel linkage for up and down movement of a support arm connected at a rear end and carrying the packer wheel. A spring applies a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel so that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly. A control device is arranged to raise and lower the tool bar in response to a detected value of a sensor so as to change the angle of the parallel linkage and change the spring force. A cam controlled double rack adjustment of the height of the opener allows the user to change seeding depth.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for determining functional synapses from given structural touches between cells in a neuronal circuit are described. One computer-implemented method for determining functional synapses from predetermined synapses of connections between two cells in a neuronal circuit, includes determining, from the predetermined synapses, the functional synapses by leaving a portion of the connections unused, e.g. for activation by plasticity mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for transmitting information in a wireless network includes at least one mobile transponder, each transponder adapted to be on the person of a user; an area controller gateway for controlling and managing the network, the area controller gateway operatively connected to the at least one mobile transponder; and a central monitoring station adapted to receive information from the at least one mobile transponder via the area controller gateway and to transmit other information to the at least one mobile transponder via the area controller gateway. The central monitoring station is operatively connected to the area controller gateway by an interne or cellular connection. The system may include a repeater adapted to receive information from the at least one mobile transponder and to transmit said information to the area controller gateway. The mobile transponder may be a duress pendant to provide duress notification or coverage to the user.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for determining functional synapses from given structural touches between cells in a neuronal circuit are described. One computer-implemented method for determining functional synapses from predetermined synapses of connections between two cells in a neuronal circuit, includes determining, from the predetermined synapses, the functional synapses by leaving a portion of the connections unused, e.g. for activation by plasticity mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for transmitting information in a wireless network includes at least one mobile transponder, each transponder adapted to be on the person of a user; an area controller gateway for controlling and managing the network, the area controller gateway operatively connected to the at least one mobile transponder; and a central monitoring station adapted to receive information from the at least one mobile transponder via the area controller gateway and to transmit other information to the at least one mobile transponder via the area controller gateway. The central monitoring station is operatively connected to the area controller gateway by an interne or cellular connection. The system may include a repeater adapted to receive information from the at least one mobile transponder and to transmit said information to the area controller gateway. The mobile transponder may be a duress pendant to provide duress notification or coverage to the user.

Abstract: A seeder includes a frame on ground wheels defining tool bars for seeding elements spaced across the frame. Each element includes a pair of parallel arms connected to the tool bar bracket forming a parallel linkage for up and down movement of a support arm connected at a rear end and carrying the packer wheel. A spring applies a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel so that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly. A control device is arranged to raise and lower the tool bar in response to a detected value of a sensor so as to change the angle of the parallel linkage and change the spring force. A cam controlled double rack adjustment of the height of the opener allows the user to change seeding depth.

Abstract: A mobile telephone handset comprising a radio telecommunications interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from a mobile telecommunications network is disclosed. The handset comprises first and second audio loudspeakers positioned to output audio from two different locations on the handset, wherein the first audio loudspeaker is mounted on a first portion and the second audio loudspeaker is mounted on a second, different portion, and wherein the first and second portions are movable from a first relative position in which the handset is compact and in which the audio loudspeakers are relatively closely spaced to a second relative position in which the audio loudspeakers are relatively widely spaced.

Abstract: A mortgage guaranty insurance policy is described having periodically adjusted premiums, the determination of said premiums being partially based on loan seasoning; and a claim settlement option chosen from the following: immediate lump-sum settlement, principal and interest payments being maintained for a fixed period prior to loan payoff, principal and interest payments being maintained until loan payoff is demanded by insured, principal and interest payments until the loan is paid off by the insurer. In one embodiment, the premium paid by the lender comprises the sum of individual premiums assigned to each loan in the insured portfolio, and each of said individual premiums are each adjusted according to separate fixed schedules. In another embodiment, the premium paid by the lender comprises the sum of individual premiums assigned to each loan in the insured portfolio, and said individual premiums are adjusted according to the same fixed schedule.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of an audio book, including a first step of obtaining an authorization key to access a text file on a server, a second step of displaying content of the text file at a personal computer, a third step of producing an audio file at the personal computer corresponding to the text file and a fourth step of combining the audio file with a sound effects file to produce the audio book. Also described is a device for the manufacture of an audio book. The device comprises an authorization key for authorizing access to a text file, a display device for displaying content of the text file, a microphone for recording an audio file corresponding to the content of the text file and a processing software combining the audio file with a sound effects file to produce the audio book.